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How to Use the Files App on iPhone or iPad

Browse documents stored locally, in iCloud Drive, and in supported cloud services.

Quick Answer

Open Files → Browse, then use Locations, folders, search, tags, and recent items to find and organize files.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant Apple app or Settings section on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open Files → Browse, then use Locations, folders, search, tags, and recent items to find and organize files.
  3. Review the result before deleting data, removing an account, or changing synchronization settings.
  4. For important data, confirm a current backup exists before making a major storage, account, or device change.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Apple occasionally moves settings between iOS/iPadOS versions, so exact menu wording can differ by software version.
  • iCloud synchronization is not the same as a separate backup of every item; deleting synchronized content can propagate to other devices.